Thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Good for you, that’s a courageous move and I’m proud — now let’s get down to business and talk Dutch salaries.

Did you know that the Netherlands is the eighth highest-paying country in the world? Yep, that’s a real advantage of life here.

However, before your eyes turn to € signs and you sign that contract, there are a number of important things you need to know about salaries in the Netherlands.

Take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past six years.

Salaries in the Netherlands 

While the Netherlands may rank as one of the best-paying countries in the world, it’s important to note that the amount that you get paid, of course, depends on the type of wage you are receiving.

Let’s start with discussing wages in the Netherlands. 

What’s the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2024? 

What may be a surprise to some is that the minimum wage in the Netherlands actually varies based on your age.

As of January 2024, hourly minimum wage for a person over the age of 21 in the Netherlands is €13.27.

What’s the average salary in the Netherlands in 2024?

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, it is expected that in 2024, the average annual salary will stand at €42,236.

In 2023, people in the Netherlands enjoyed a net salary of €3,086 per month. In 2024, you can expect to pocket at least an extra €79.17 per month due to tax benefits, which means you will pay less income tax.

However, life is often, well, not average — and the same goes for your salary. Depending on your job, your salary is going to be higher or lower than this number. 

Inflation and Dutch salaries in 2024

The past few years have seen the cost of living in the Netherlands skyrocket to new heights. With living costs rising by as much as 14.5% towards the end of 2022, many of us entered 2023 with an intense need for a pay raise. While inflation has calmed down a bit since then, many of us could still do with a pay raise in 2024.

READ MORE | ​​The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024

Thankfully, as we have seen, the Dutch government addressed this by raising the minimum wage in the Netherlands by 10.15% — but what can we expect in 2024?

Well, according to the Central Planning Bureau, it is forecasted that those with an average wage will see their net income rise by an average of 5.6% in 2024.

Minimum wage workers will see their salaries rise the most this year. In fact, according to the ADP, anyone in the Netherlands who works a 40-hour week on minimum wage can expect to receive four extra hours worth of pay per week.

In particular, it appears 2024 is a good year to work in catering and construction. With catering staff set to receive a wage increase of between 8 to 12% and construction workers pocketing an extra €205 per month on average.

What’s the difference between Bruto salaris and Netto salaris? 

Once you’ve dressed to impress and knocked the socks off your Dutch employers during your interview, you will be offered a salary. 

But before you get too excited about the numbers, you will be hearing two different figures: these will be your Gross and Net salary — and it’s important you know the difference! 

What is Bruto salaris in the Netherlands? 

One will be the amount that you will get paid before tax and other deductions — this is your Bruto salaris and you won’t get to keep it all. 

What is Netto salaris in the Netherlands? 

Netto salaris represents the money you get to keep after tax and all other deductions.

Picture one of those cycle bins that catch cyclists’ rubbish as they zoom by. Ok great, now think of your Netto salaris as how much money actually hits the back of the net and lands in your bank account. 

How much of your salary will be taxed in the Netherlands? 

Now, after all that talk of Netto and Brutto salaries, you’re probably wondering just how big a bite the Dutch tax system will take out of your wages. 

In the Netherlands, there are two different tax brackets in 2024. Depending on your home and work income, you will be taxed a certain percentage. Let’s lay them out for you. 

What’s included in your Dutch salary? 

Yes, taxation is high in the Netherlands — but being employed in the Netherlands also has its perks — namely, a number of benefits. 

Holiday pay (vakantiegeld)  

In the Netherlands, you will receive at least 8% of your gross wage in holiday pay.

Employers will usually pay this to you as a lump sum between May and June, however, it can also be distributed a little at a time each month, depending on your contract. 

‘The 13th month’ 

In any job, there is always the chance that you may receive a bonus. But in the Netherlands, some companies offer what has been coined the ‘13th month’ under certain contracts (spoiler: the better ones.)  

If your salary includes a ‘13th month’, then you will essentially receive an extra month’s pay! It is usually given before the holiday period in November or December and also equals to 8.33% of an employee’s salary. 

Sick leave

In the Netherlands, most work contracts will also cover you for sick leave. Under Dutch law, your employer should pay you 70% of your wages if you are sick during your contract. 

If you are sick for a long period of time, you don’t have to worry about your employer dropping you.

In fact, under Dutch law, an employer should pay sick leave for up to 104 weeks of sickness. 

A great work-life balance 

Ok, this is not exactly a monetary benefit that can be found in your Dutch salary — but it’s certainly a benefit that I enjoy. In the Netherlands, a good work-life balance is highly valued.

READ MORE | The work-life balance in the Netherlands is the best in the world

This means that you’re not expected to bring your work home with you “as part of the company culture”, and it’s great.

How to understand your Dutch payslip

Once you have found yourself a job and a salary to go with it, you may need a hand understanding that pesky payslip! And we don’t blame you. As an international in the Netherlands, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, we’ve broken down all that difficult vocab for you.  

All caught up on your Nederlands? We’re proud of you. Now there’s only one thing left to do:

How have you experienced working in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

* Note: Adams Multilingual Recruitment cannot provide visas to internationals who are looking for work. You must hold an EU or EEA citizenship or an EU work permit to benefit from their services.

Finding the best banks for expats in the Netherlands can be a real search.

There’ll be many factors that influence your decision, from extra features to the bank’s accessibility in English.

We’ve explored and tested the best banks in the Netherlands, testing them for accessibility for expats, features, pricing, mobile apps, and more.

All the banks in our list below tick off two important boxes:

1. They’re available in English, especially in their mobile banking apps.
2. They offer a Maestro card option, because credit cards aren’t widely accepted in the Netherlands.

Ready to find the best bank accounts for expats in the Netherlands? Let’s jump in!

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The best banks for expats in the Netherlands

bunq: the best bank for newcomers

bunq is a fully online bank, which means you can sign up entirely online. Even better, it has heaps of great features to make handling your money easier, like accessing two accounts with one card, auto-roundup to help you save, and salary sorting to make budgeting a breeze.

The monthly price is a little higher than other Dutch banks, but in our opinion, the huge money-saving features make it worth it.

However, one of the best features of bunq is that you don’t need to wait to receive your BSN (citizen service number) to sign up — instead, you can use the bank for up to 90 days while you wait.

Revolut: the best bank for travellers

Revolut is the best bank for expats who want a great banking app, investment options, and easy currency conversion when travelling.

Like bunq, Revolut is also a digital bank with a slightly higher monthly fee, but it comes with an awesome app, the ability to send money overseas effortlessly, decent interest on savings, and the ability to block unwanted subscription payments.

Not only that, but you can set a budget for any time period you choose, and it sends you updates if you’re getting close to hitting that budget.

It allows you to invest easily in cryptocurrency or gold, and you also get some awesome detailed spending analytics!

ABN AMRO: the best traditional bank for English-speaking expats

ABN AMRO is another big Dutch bank that’s popular with expats. They’re the only “traditional” Dutch bank with all information available in English. If you’ve only just moved here and aren’t comfortable in Dutch, then this is a great bank to start an account with.

They’re also the only traditional Dutch bank that lets you open an account before you register at the municipality and receive your BSN. You can bank for up to 90 days before needing to provide it.

They also have physical branches, so you can put your questions to a person face-to-face if that’s important for you. If you’re a student, you bank for free!

ING: the best simple Dutch bank for expats

ING is one of the largest Dutch banks and is popular among locals and internationals alike.

Its mobile app is available entirely in English, as well as the majority of its website. This a traditional bank, so you can also get credit cards, loans, mortgages, and investment accounts, but it misses some of the bells and whistles of bunq and Revolut.

However, monthly fees are lower, and their student account is even free for five years, which is pretty nice!

N26: the best Dutch bank for expats who want ‘more than the basics’

Your N26 account comes with a Maestro card (perfect for paying in the Netherlands), and, as an international bank, N26’s feature-packed app is available entirely in English — just like their customer service, too.

The downsides? Your IBAN will be German, which isn’t the end of the world, and you won’t be able to use iDEAL payments.

However, if you want more from your bank than “just the basics”, that’s where N26 really shines. Use Spaces to create sub-accounts to save for important purchases, Round Up to stash your spare change away, and pay abroad and online easily with a Mastercard Debit too.

Other banks in the Netherlands

You might be wondering why we chose to highlight these banks in particular — after all, there are plenty of other banks in the Netherlands.

Our main reason for not doing a full section on these is their lack of English-language options. For something as important as banking, it can be crucial to have information available in a language you understand.

But, if you’ve been here a while, or you aren’t afraid of doing some Google Translate work, then any of these other banks are worth looking into.

Biggest banks in the Netherlands

• ABN AMRO
• ING Group
• Rabobank
• De Volksbank

Smaller banks in the Netherlands

• Amanah Group Holdings
• Anadolubank Nederland N.V.
• Bank Mendes Gans (cash management)
• Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten (financing for (semi-)publicly owned organisations)
• BinckBank (electronic trading platform)
• bunq
• Credit Europe Bank
• Demir Halk Bank (commercial bank)
• Friesland Bank (retail bank)
• GarantiBank International NV
• GE Artesia Bank
• Kempen & Co (merchant bank)
• Knab
• Nederlandse Waterschapsbank (financing for (semi-)publicly owned organisations)
• Netherlands Development Finance Company (development bank)
• NIBC Bank (commercial bank)
• Regiobank
• Triodos Bank
• Van Lanschot Kempen (private bank)
• Yapi Kredi Bank Nederland N.V.

Best banks to earn interest on savings in the Netherlands

Savings rates have increased recently in the Netherlands, making it possible to really earn money on your savings. However, most traditional brick-and-mortar banks are offering far lower interest rates than other neo-banks on online banks.

Find out more about savings accounts in the Netherlands, or check out our top recommendation below.

How to grow your money in the Netherlands

If you have some savings that you want to earn money on or just want to save more than you spend, there are a few ways to do it:

• Invest in an EU bank in another country (with all the standard EU banking protections) that has a higher interest rate through a service like Raisin.
• Start investing easily with different investment apps in the Netherlands (we like DeGiro)
• Get cashback on every euro you spend and track where your money goes through an app like Woolsocks.

What to consider when choosing a bank account in Holland

There are lots of things you should keep in mind when you’re opening up a bank account in the Netherlands.

Some of them are purely down to personal preference, but others are things every expat opening a bank account in the Netherlands should be aware of.

How ethical is the Dutch bank?

Something you might be wondering about is whether a bank makes ethical investments.

Obviously, ethical is a pretty subjective term, but there are some banks that do markedly better on this than others.

bunq, for example, is ethical in both its investments and its practices as a company. Triodos is also pretty good in this regard: they publish the details of all the companies they invest in on their website, so you can check if their actions align with your ethics.

Do I need a credit card in the Netherlands?

Almost all Dutch banks will offer you a credit card so long as you meet several conditions.

Most Dutch banks work with Mastercard over Visa, and you’ll also notice that many stores in the Netherlands prefer to take Mastercard over Visa.

This all comes down to Dutch cheapness, really: Visa charges stores a higher fee than Mastercard.

Do I need to transfer money abroad from the Netherlands?

As an expat in the Netherlands, it’s pretty likely that you’ll want to transfer money abroad at some point. You might also need to be able to receive it.

Some traditional banks will charge you quite a bit in fees when doing this. Many people choose to transfer money directly via money transfer providers like XE or Wise, who offer very competitive rates.

Some Dutch banks have already paired up with one of these transfer providers, and so will offer you low rates that way as well. bunq, for example, works with Wise, and that means that you can save up to 3% on each transaction compared with a traditional bank.

How good is the mobile app?

If you’re someone who likes to know what’s going on in their financial life on a moment-to-moment basis, then choosing a bank with a good app is pretty crucial.

Online banks like Revolut, bunq and N26 naturally do well in this category.

ING’s app is simple and easy to use, and does everything you’d need it to, but it doesn’t provide much in the way of analysis.

Why you need a Dutch bank account in the Netherlands

Your plan might be to use your overseas bank account while living in the Netherlands: but you will quickly change your mind.

The Netherlands is pretty high-tech, but still requires Dutch bank accounts for many things. For example:

• While credit card payments are becoming more popular, some Dutch stores (including major supermarkets) still only accept debit cards. Even Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard are not accepted!
• Your Dutch employer typically wants a Dutch IBAN to pay your salary. Technically, you should be able to pay into any EU IBAN, but some employers make this very complicated.
• You’ll need a Dutch IBAN number for automatic direct debits, like for your gym, monthly public transport bills, and health insurance.

What has your experience of banking in the Netherlands been? Share it in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions about banking in the Netherlands

Disclaimer: Investing involves risks and you can lose your investment. DutchReview is not a financial consultancy. The content shared on the website and on DutchReview’s social accounts does not contain any financially binding advice

Choosing the best Dutch credit card often involves wading through pages of information on interest rates, annual fees, and handy benefits. 

In this guide, we’ve sourced the most popular credit cards in the Netherlands — for personal use, travel, and all your business-related financial needs — and put them into one place.

READ MORE | Banking in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck!

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Best Dutch credit cards for personal use

If you’re looking for a personal credit card that’ll offer you some powerful rewards, you can’t go wrong with the below options.

ABN AMRO Credit Card: Best for expats on a budget

At just €1.70 per month, this ABN AMRO credit card is super easy on your wallet.

Don’t let the price fool you, though, because this baby will also earn you a nifty 8% discount on rental cars and a 4% cashback on hotels for that much-needed trip back home.

Check it out

bunq Credit Mastercard: Best for cashback offers

Though technically a debit card, the bunq Credit Mastercard can be used as a credit card — with no debt.

Even better, it can get you 1% cashback on bars and restaurants and 2% cashback on public transport (depending on your subscription). 

Check it out

ING Credit Card: Best for everyday use

The ING Credit Card is a solid option for a daily card that’ll cover your groceries, shopping trips, and anything else, at the low price of just €19.80 per year.

The only downside? You’ll need to have an ING Payment account and an income of more than €1000 per month to be eligible for this card.

Check it out

Openbank eCommerce Card: Best for online shopping

Although this is technically a virtual prepaid bank card, Openbank’s eCommerce Card is a stellar option if you want the benefits of a credit card without the costs.

With zero commissions on purchases with foreign currency and full control over how much money you load on this card, it’s the perfect choice for online shopping enthusiasts.

Check it out

Rabocard: Best starter credit card

Costing a maximum of €2 per month on the Rabo DirectPackage, the Rabocard is one of the cheapest credit cards available in the Netherlands.

However, cheap doesn’t mean stingy, as the card’s standard lending limit of €1000 per month can be raised to a generous €10,000, depending on income.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for travel

Frequent flyers, on the other hand, often have different requirements for their credit cards. While most of these cards aren’t widely accepted for day-to-day purchases in the Netherlands, they’re great for buying flights!

Their benefits can range from flight benefits to a smoother travel experience, and their credit card of choice will need to do some heavy lifting to open those doors for them.

Our top picks are:

American Express Platinum card: Best for luxury travel

With open access to Schiphol’s exclusive Privium Plus benefits — such as faster security and border checks, priority parking, and the luxuries of the Privium Lounges — the American Express Platinum card ensures that your journey is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Of course, good things don’t come cheap, and neither does the AMEX Platinum card! Costing €65 per month, you’ll also need a gross yearly income of €30,000 to apply for this card.

Check it out

Flying Blue Platinum American Express card: Best for KLM frequent flyers

At €55 per month, the Flying Blue Platinum AMEX unlocks the door to KLM’s handy Flying Blue loyalty programme, with the ability to earn Miles whenever you book a flight.

You can spend your Miles on countless exclusive rewards, such as baggage allowance, seat upgrades — or even a reward ticket!

Check it out

Mastercard Black: Best for earning Air Miles

A cheaper alternative to the AMEX Platinum and Flying Blue Platinum cards, the ICS Mastercard Black offers great benefits for the price, including continuous travel insurance and access to over 1000 lounges in 75 different countries.

Costing €204 per year, this credit card also provides you seamless opportunities to earn Air Miles for most airlines — which can then be redeemed in the form of seat upgrades, discounts, and exclusive shopping deals.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for business

Perhaps you’re a businessperson or freelancer? Then these handy cards might be far more your speed.

N26 Business Mastercard: Best for freelancers

With nifty cashback features, in-depth spending insights, and deposit protection, the N26 Business Mastercard is a fabulous asset in any freelancer’s arsenal.

Even better — depending on your N26 plan, you may even be eligible for travel insurance to cover delays, emergencies, and cancellations.

Check it out

American Express Business Green Card: Best affordable AMEX business card

The AMEX Business Green Card comes with comprehensive financial security — combining flexible spending limits, deferred payment plans, and a thorough overview of your business expenses.

Costing €85 per year, it also provides you with membership reward points for every euro spent.

Check it out

Visa World Card Business: Best for small businesses

At €42 per year, the Visa World Card Business is an excellent choice for new start-ups and small businesses.

Jam-packed with handy features such as flight delay insurance and SafeGuard Support in the event of emergencies, it also offers ICS’ 24/7 Fraud Protection system — so you can rest assured that your capital is as safe as can be.

Check it out

How to get the most out of your Dutch credit card

Hoera, you’ve got yourself a Dutch credit card… but how can you make the most of the new asset in your wallet?

Here are some handy tips and tricks that’ll serve you well during your time in the Netherlands:

Get a discount on your trip back home

Stunning though the Netherlands is, a trip back to your family and home country can really be the best mood-booster known to man. Travel, unfortunately, can be a rather expensive hobby.

Well, with your fancy new credit card, you’re in luck! It can help you score discounts on flight tickets, handy upgrades, and even travel insurance.

Choose a prepaid credit card for the best of both worlds

Prepaid credit cards function very similarly to debit cards, where you load a certain amount of money on your card in advance and can only spend up to that value. This often makes them a safer option than traditional credit cards.

However, where prepaid credit cards differ from debit cards is that your card needn’t be affiliated with a bank or banking account to operate. In addition to this, they offer many of the vast benefits that credit cards do — from cashback offers to travel insurance and more.

3 things to know about credit cards in the Netherlands

It’s only natural to have a few questions about what it’s like to own a Dutch credit card.

Let’s run through some important things you need to know.

1. A credit check is generally mandatory

In order to apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, applicants will need to complete a BKR assessment.

Also known as the Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Office), this assessment determines how much money you have borrowed — and whether you’ve paid those bills on time.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2024

Many credit card companies will refuse your application if you have a negative BKR.

2. Many credit cards have an income requirement

Depending on your desired credit card, you will very likely have to meet a certain monthly or yearly income requirement in order to be eligible.

Some banks (such as ING) may still offer you a credit card even if you don’t meet all their income criteria — but your spending limit may be drastically reduced.

3. It’s easy to avoid paying interest on your credit card

One important thing to know about credit cards is that you’ll be billed for all expenses charged on your card at the end of every month.

As long as you pay any outstanding balances within your card’s grace period, you won’t need to pay any interest on this money.

Have you used any of the credit cards on our list? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Credit cards in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Dutch savings accounts have increased their interest rates in recent years, but to get the best interest rate for your savings you need to know where to look.

With housing interest rates up, the Netherlands is seeing some of the highest deposit rates in 15 years.

We regularly search and uncover the best rates so you can find the best savings accounts in the Netherlands.

Currently, Trade Republic has the best interest rate in the Netherlands, offering 4.00% interest on savings with unlimited withdrawals.

Here are the Dutch banks with the best interest rates!

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The best savings accounts in the Netherlands

We’ve found the highest interest rates, best banks, and best accounts to earn interest on your money.

All of the companies below are regulated financial institutions, so your money (up to €100,000 per person, per bank) is guaranteed.

Overview: our top picks

bunq: best for tech-lovers

The Netherlands’ very own neobank, bunq, offers up to 2.46% on savings of up to €100,000. 

Interest is paid monthly, and the account is completely free! Best of all, you can open an account and start earning interest in just five minutes.

Current rate: 2.46%
Withdrawals: Yes, two per month
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

Trade Republic: best for growing your income

Trade Republic is a German bank offering an unbeatable 4% interest on savings of up to €50,000.

In addition to this, an account comes with the ability to withdraw weekly at no cost, pay low account costs, and invest in stocks and ETFs.

Current rate: 4%
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

Raisin: best for people who want the highest rates in Europe

Raisin isn’t a bank; instead, it’s a platform that offers different accounts from European banks to get you the best rates in the continent. Raisin continues to offer many ever-changing offers on its site, and it’s best to check these yourself.

One account with Raisin gets you the best rates in Europe. Fixed-term deposits can be as high as 3.31%!

Current rate: 3.31% (Distingo Bank)
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

Bigbank: best for people investing long-term

Bigbank is a European bank with an interest rate of 3.3% for savings of up to €100,000 on flexible savings accounts. 

However, fixed-rate savings accounts can have an interest rate of up to 3.5%, starting at €1,000 for a minimum of 12 months.

Current rate: 3.3%
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

Openbank: best for people who want access to their money

Openbank‘s Spaarrekening account currently offers a 3.65% interest rate for the first six months for new clients up to €1 million.

Your money is also always available for withdrawal, and there are no account costs.

Current rate: 3.65%
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: No

Sign up

ABN AMRO: best for those seeking a traditional bank

ABN AMRO might not have the highest interest rates for savings in the Netherlands, but it is a brick-and-mortar bank.

If you feel more comfortable with a traditional bank, this is a solid choice — your money will still grow, just a bit slower.

Current rate: 1.5%
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

Scalable Capital: best for those who want to invest while enjoying good interest rates

Scalable offers 4% interest for the first four months for accounts under €1 million, and it’s also a great way to try out investing.

This simple investment app offers automated investing plans that can help users build their savings and have great interest rates.

Current rate: 4% for the first four months, 2.6% thereafter
Withdrawals: Yes
Available in English: Yes

Sign up

What to know about savings accounts in the Netherlands

Interest rates on savings in the Netherlands

Now, let’s talk about interest rates. The Dutch have a saying: “Don’t count your tulips before they bloom.” That applies to savings rates too. In recent years, rates have been on the lower side — even threatening to go into the negatives for a while.

Luckily, they’ve since taken a turn for the better, and now it’s really worth putting your money into a Dutch savings account.

However, to get the best possible rates on savings, it’s often worth looking for a neobank like bunq or Revolut or a platform like Raisin to earn the highest interest rates in Europe.

Safety of Dutch savings accounts

The Netherlands is known for its impressive banking system. The banks here are regulated by the Dutch Central Bank, so you can rest easy knowing your hard-earned cash is in safe hands. Just make sure to choose a bank that’s as solid as the Dutch dikes!

When it comes to safety, European banks, in general, are solid. Thanks to the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS), your savings are protected up to €100,000 per person, per bank.

Even if your bank decides to do the unthinkable and go belly-up, the DGS will swoop in and save the day.

Before you start socking away your euros, keep in mind that some savings accounts in the Netherlands might have a few rules.

They can be as strict as not eating cheese with your hands (which, let’s be honest, is impossible) or as reasonable as limiting the number of withdrawals you can make in a specific period.

Just make sure to read the fine print and choose an account that fits your needs, like a well-fitted pair of wooden clogs.

History of Dutch interest rates and saving

Now, let’s talk history. Did you know that the Dutch have been saving money since before bicycles were cool? It’s true! The Netherlands has a long tradition of frugality and financial prudence.

Perhaps it’s because they want to save up for endless amounts of cheese and stroopwafels. Whatever the reason, the Dutch know a thing or two about growing their savings like tulips in a sun-drenched field.

Taxes on Dutch savings accounts

Now, when it comes to taxes, the Dutch take it seriously. You don’t want to end up in a fiscal maze, do you? Consult a tax advisor or financial pro to understand your obligations and make sure you’re not caught off guard.

Trust me, you don’t want to experience the wrath of the Dutch taxman.

In a nutshell, Dutch savings accounts are as reliable as tulips popping up in spring. Do your research, compare rates, and find a bank that makes you feel like you’re floating through a canal of financial bliss.

With a bit of Dutch determination and a pinch of cheese-loving frugality, you’ll master the art of saving money in the Netherlands — and earning some extra cash on it too.

Do you have any money-saving tips? Tell us in the comments!

Disclaimer: This article offers general financial advice. If you are looking for more specific and personal advice, we suggest checking in with a financial expert (or just turning to your mattress stuffed with cash).

Frequently asked questions: Dutch savings accounts with the best interest rates

Last year, the Netherlands announced a big change in the Dutch gambling scene. As of July 1 2023, the country imposed a ban on advertising gambling out in the open, on our TV screens, in magazines, and over the radio — but that’s not all. 

Now, new changes are being proposed. 

So, what are the proposed changes for Dutch gambling sites? 

Let’s start with the first: 

If the Dutch cabinet agrees, the Dutch gambling scene may see increased taxes for online gambling operators.

This comes after two Dutch MPs proposed an increase in online gambling tax in October of 2023. The increase may be implemented as early as 2025. 

The gambling industry is certainly a good area to find some extra money, with the best online gambling sites (according to plainenglish.io) bringing in plenty of turnover. 

But let’s take a step back for a second. What exactly is being proposed? 

Submitted to the Dutch parliament in October of last year, the proposal in question suggests that gambling operators should be asked to cough up more tax. 

If the proposal is accepted, it will amend article 5, paragraph 1 of the Netherlands’ Gambling Tax Act.

This means that online gambling site operators in the Netherlands will see their tax increase by a whole percentage, rising to 30.5%.

Why is the tax changing?

This story actually starts with increased taxes on alcohol. From January 2024, the excise duty on alcohol was increased by 16.2%. However, the result of this increase isn’t exactly good. 

Firstly, it is expected to cost a casual €74 million, and secondly, it will likely affect small businesses in the Netherlands. 

So, how can the Netherlands bring in some more money and prevent further tax increases on other goods? One way is by setting their sights on the Dutch gambling industry. 

By proposing an increase in tax on gambling sites, the amendment suggests a method that would kill two birds with one stone: the government can bring in more money, and they can also prevent increased taxes in other areas.  

Sounds like a plan if you ask us! 

Why should gambling sites in particular pay more tax? 

It’s an interesting avenue to go down for the Dutch government, but to be fair, they’re looking in the right place.

The Dutch gambling scene is super popular, which in turn means they are super profitable. 

According to the amendment, the ever-growing popularity of online gambling sites has led to the industry enjoying significant turnover. 

This isn’t exactly news, either. In fact, the average Dutch person gambles on average two times per week using online gambling sites.  

And those frequent users bring in a lot of money to gambling companies. 

Just how much? Well, since the legalisation of online gambling sites in 2022, gambling companies earned a cool €1.1 billion in their first year.  

Still enjoying a good turnover

As explained above, should this proposal be implemented by the Dutch government, this change will come as the second major change in two years for the Dutch gambling scene. 

In July 2023, the Netherlands began ripping down the many cheesy gambling posters on bus stops, silenced the ear-splitting gambling advertisements that perforated podcasts, and halted the vibrantly coloured TV ads depicting people with confetti, a deranged smile, and a shower of money.

All of this was part of an important rule change whereby the Netherlands imposed a ban on advertising gambling out in the open, on our TV screens, in magazines, and over the radio.

However, given the addictive nature of gambling, and the huge turnover the industry brings, it doesn’t seem to be suffering much as a result of the ban. 

When will this change take place? 

At the moment, the increased tax on Dutch gambling sites has yet to be implemented. For now, it’s just a proposal. 

This means that it must first be accepted by the Dutch government. 

However, should this happen, things could change quite quickly, as MPs are advising that the Dutch government implement this tax increase as soon as 2025. 

Let’s see what’s on the cards! 

A financial limit for gamblers

This isn’t the only change making its way to the Dutch gambling industry, however. 

On top of increased taxes, the House of Representatives has approved the Christian Union party’s proposal to restrict online gambling.

This would mean that a financial gambling limit would be set for all gambling platforms. 

And what would this limit look like? Gamblers will only be able to gamble up to €150 per month across all gambling platforms. 

Initially, it was proposed that this limit would only apply per platform. 

Now that the decision to impose this limit has been reached, the parliament aims to impose it before the summer. 

Gambling companies have a duty of care to their customers, and that duty can’t be fulfilled if they don’t prevent their customers from falling into financial ruin.

Indeed, it looks like the Dutch gambling sector will see many changes in the coming year, let’s hope they are for the best. 

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Are you renting a self-contained flat in the Netherlands? Then you may be entitled to huurtoeslag — otherwise known as rental allowance!

So you’re renting in the Netherlands and you’re struggling? We’ve moaned enough about crazy rental prices and the housing shortage because, well, it’s a real problem.

Well, for some of you, there’s no need to struggle anymore. You may be entitled to rent allowance in the Netherlands (huurtoeslag), which will help you with your rent cost!

What is huurtoeslag?

We’re glad you asked.

The rental allowance, also called rent benefit, is a government contribution that will help you with rent.

If you are a low-middle income earner, and live in self-contained accommodation, keep reading. There is a chance that you may be eligible for the toeslag.

What are the conditions of rent allowance in the Netherlands?

To get rent benefit in the Netherlands in 2024, you (or your fiscal partner) must be:

• 18 years old or over
• Renting a self-contained accommodation with your front door, bathroom and kitchen
• In a signed agreement (contract) with a landlord/housing corporation
• Certain that your (joint) income is not too high
• Certain that your rent is not too high
• Registered with the municipality at your home address
• A Dutch or EU/EEA national or in possession of a valid residence or work permit

Can internationals receive rent allowance in the Netherlands?

Yes! Anybody legally registered in the Netherlands is entitled to huurtoeslag — as long as they fit certain criteria. Unfortunately, this often does not include international students (sorry guys, I don’t make the rules, I know you struggle too).

Most of this has to do with the fact that you need to have your own front door to be able to get rent benefits in the Netherlands. Student houses usually don’t fall into that category (unless you live in your own studio, of course).

Income limits and the huurtoeslag

Each year, the income and rental limits of the huurtoeslag are changed. Sometimes these changes are quite significant; in 2024, however, the conditions do not differ significantly from the conditions of 2023.

In 2020, there were some changes to the income limit. Before that, there used to be a hard limit: if you earned even €1 above the limit, you would lose your housing allowance, and maybe even need to pay back several months’ worth of the subsidy.

Nowadays, there is no fixed income limit for rent allowance in the Netherlands.

Instead, the government will look at your gross annual income, your rent, your age, and your living situation. The higher your income, the less housing allowance you will receive.

In practice, according to Woonbood, you should be eligible for huurtoeslaag with an income of up to roughly €25,000 if you’re single, and €34,000 if you live with a tax partner or your family.

Do bear in mind that perhaps, even if your income is slightly higher than these numbers, you might still be eligible, and similarly, if it’s slightly less and you have an otherwise financially stable existence, you might not be granted the subsidy.

Below, we’ve included the other latest numbers for 2024.

Huurtoeslag conditions in 2024 if you are over 23 and living in a single household 

• Your monthly basic rent is no higher than €879.66
• Your savings/investments were no higher than €36,952 as of 1 January 2024

Huurtoeslag conditions in 2024 if you are over 23 and living with a fiscal partner 

• Your monthly basic rent is no higher than €879.66
• Your joined savings/investments are no higher than €73,904 as of 1 January 2024

Huurtoeslag conditions in 2024 if you are under 23 years old and living in a single household

• Your monthly basic rent is no higher than €454.47 (unless you have a child, then the rent may be €879.66)
• Your savings/investments are no higher than €36,952 as of 1 January 2024

Huurtoeslag conditions in 2024 if you are under 23 years old and living with a fiscal partner

• Monthly basic rent is no higher than €454.47 (unless you have a child, then the rent may be €879.66)
• Your joined savings/investments are no higher than €73,904 as of 1 January 2024

How do I apply for the rent allowance in the Netherlands?

If you want to apply for the rent subsidy in the Netherlands, then you need to go to the government website. From there, you can apply for your rent allowance.

You’ll need a DigiD to do this, so if you are without one, don’t forget to apply for it (it’s a must-have in the Netherlands anyway).

If you’re looking for a quick way to see if you’ll qualify and how much allowance you will receive, you can do a test calculation online. Some rental places can also tell you if you’re eligible before you even rent the property — it’s definitely worth checking!

What do you think about huurtoeslag in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Life in the Netherlands is great, but it’s also expensive. I’m doing whatever I can to try and save money, and one important way to do that is by making sure my savings continue to grow. 

So no, I’m afraid my new-found hack to saving money isn’t as simple as cancelling my HBO subscription or freezing cash. It’s by finding banks with better interest rates for my savings. 

^{This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.}

That’s where Trade Republic comes in

Trade Republic is an online broker based in Germany, and I first heard about it after we published an article about their interest rates.

I’m not going to lie: talking about interest rates is usually the best way to make me mentally slip out of a conversation, find a nice cosy corner in the back of my brain, and fall into a deep sleep of dissociation — *snaps fingers* — but stay with me. 

The most important thing you need to know about Trade Republic is that they offer a 4% interest rate on savings to residents in the Netherlands. 

This means that if you open a savings account with Trade Republic, you can store your money in an account that accrues 4% interest per year.

Let’s compare that to the average rates at the big banks in the Netherlands. Here’s what your balance could be after 12 months:

I like to think of this extra cash as the cushion that protects me from the €15 increase I’ve seen in my health insurance this year. 

My experience signing up

I’m quite a noob when it comes to banking jargon, so I was worried that once I tried to create an account, I’d be faced with options that I didn’t understand. However, I found the process was quite intuitive — and entirely in English. 

After downloading the app, I was asked for my details, such as my name, date of birth, and address. I then had to verify my identity by taking a picture of my government ID and sending a very unflattering video of myself for verification. 

While I did have to wait until the next morning to get approved, setting up was relatively simple.

It’s worth noting that my colleague, Abuzer, also signed up for Trade Republic, and he was approved within five minutes.

The only moment where I struggled a bit was when I had to provide my ‘Belastingnummer’ or, as the app will say if you’re using it in English, “Tax number.” I had no idea which one this was. 

Turns out, they meant my good ol’ BSN number. If this isn’t burned into your brain, you can likely find this in your email from when you registered at your Dutch address. 

What I like about Trade Republic

By opting for an account with Trade Republic, I now have somewhere to keep my savings without feeling like they’re gathering dust and losing value. 

I am also a risk-averse girlie — especially when it comes to money. So another big selling point for me was that since Trade Republic is based in Germany, it is covered under the European Deposit Guarantee Scheme. 

This means that should anything happen to Trade Republic (for example, if they were to go bust), any savings I had with them are guaranteed up to €100,000. 

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands January 2024

Additionally, when choosing a bank to open a savings account with, I found that many other banks which offered similar interest rates, required me to keep my savings in that account for a fixed term. 

So, while I could opt for a Swiss bank with the same interest rates, unlike Trade Republic, I wouldn’t be able to withdraw anything from that account for two years. 

You should note that with Trade Republic, there is no minimum fixed term, and I can withdraw my money as and when I need it. 

What I also like about Trade Republic is how easy it is to use. 

I open the app, type in my passcode, hit the big button that says cash, and voila, there’s my money. 

If I want to know how much interest I have earned, I just scroll down, tap the interest button, and there it is. (I like to tap this particular button when I’m in need of a dopamine hit).

The interest is also deposited into my account on a monthly basis, so I can reap the benefits as I go. No need to wait for a year!

I’d also like to point out that the app does offer other features, such as the opportunity to invest. So, while it’s simple, this app does have a lot of functions (I just haven’t tried them yet!). 

What could be improved

Of course, nothing is perfect. There were also a few things that I felt could be improved when using Trade Republic. 

One handy feature that I came across when setting up my account was that I could put money into the account by selecting Apple Pay as the payment method — but I can’t use it. 

When I went to select this option to send money from my Dutch card to my Trade Republic account, I was met with a message saying this card wasn’t accepted. 

I’ve never had this issue before with Apple Pay and my Dutch bank card, but given that Dutch cards tend to be a bit awkward in every country other than the Netherlands, I’m not entirely sure this one’s on Trade Republic. 

It’s also worth noting that unless you want to have major anxiety, you shouldn’t try to transfer your beloved savings between bank accounts on a weekend. 

Trade Republic operates during the working week, so your money won’t show up in your account until after the weekend. 

This was just a rookie mistake by me, but it certainly had me stressing when I transferred money on a Saturday, and it didn’t show up until Monday. 

I want to see for myself, how can I sign up? 

That’s my two cents! What you want to do with it is up to you. Interested in signing up? Nice! The process is clear and simple. 

Want to share your experience with Trade Republic with us? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

With costs skyrocketing all over the Netherlands and salaries unable to catch up, saving money can feel like a Herculean task.

Thankfully, however, there are tips and tricks to help you get the most bang for your buck — some that’ll even help you save your way to greater financial freedom.

Here are some of our favourite Dutch websites and apps for saving some money while you live your life.

^{This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.}

Schapr: for a more affordable grocery bill

Founded in 2022 by a group of Dutch students, Schapr.nl is a website (and soon-to-be app!) that allows users to compare the prices of groceries at popular supermarkets across the Netherlands.

If, for example, you’re really craving some Coolbest blood orange juice, the website will show you that a one-litre bottle is a whole euro cheaper at PLUS compared to Albert Heijn (€2.24 at PLUS, versus €3.29 at Albert Heijn).

Handig (handy), eh?

Woolsocks: for powerful savings options

With a bevvy of savings and money-management tools, the Woolsocks app is like having a mini price-slashing ninja in your pocket.

After adding your bank account to the app, it will monitor your spending habits, generating a useful report of where your money is going.

READ MORE | This handy app will help you save money like a pro in 2024

The major pro? Woolsocks makes it easier to say doei (bye) to wallet-draining splurges — and choose how you’ll save the money you would have spent.

Do you also dig cashback deals on your groceries? Woolsocks shows you which products will help put cash back in your wallet — and the supermarkets currently offering those deals.

READ MORE | Investing in the Netherlands: 7 great apps for getting into stocks in 2024

Locomocheap: for cheaper train travel

When Michel Brinkhuis was scouring the net for discounted train tickets, all he saw was a cluster of websites offering reductions for plane tickets, AD reports.

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands 2024

Determined to do something about it, Brinkhuis subsequently founded the rail price-comparison website Locomocheap.

Whether you’re looking for regular Intercity tickets or you’re in the midst of planning a weekend trip to another European city, the website will help you find the cheapest rail deal available.

Saving money doesn’t necessarily mean locking yourself indoors and never doing anything again.

You can also save money by using smart tools that help you save when you decide to spend.

What are your favourite websites and apps to help save costs in the Netherlands? Tell us all about them in the comments below!

As an international in the Netherlands, it’s very likely that you arrived here and settled for any accommodation that would take you. It’s also quite likely that you’re paying some very high rent.

But did you know that in the Netherlands, you can complete a check to see if you’re paying too much rent?

Even better, did you know there’s a committee that will help you reduce your rent if this is the case?

Here’s how to check if you are paying too much rent in the Netherlands — and what you can do about it.

Introducing the Huurcommissie

The keyword for you to remember here is Huurcommissie (rental committee).

I had never heard of the Huurcommissie until I had been living here for three years, but the sooner you know about this organisation, the better.

What is the Huurcommissie exactly? According to their website, they are “an impartial and independent organisation that makes an official ruling in disputes between tenants and landlords.”

READ MORE | Amsterdam landlord charges €1,950 in rent, rental committee reduces it to €95

As a renter, what they can do for you is very important: they can check whether your landlord is asking too much rent from you when compared with the value of your accommodation.

How can I check whether I’m paying too much rent?

How it works is simple: the Huurcommissie uses a points system to determine the value of your accommodation.

Points are awarded and added up based on a number of factors, such as:

• The size of the rooms
• The size of the kitchen, bathroom and shower
• The facilities available to you, such as a balcony or garden
• The WoZ value of the home

Complete a Rental Price Check

The first step in the process is to carry out a Rental Price Check.

Depending on the type of accommodation you’re living in, there are three different Rental Price Check forms that you can choose from:

• A check for an independent home (you have your own entrance door)
• A check for a non-independent home (your front door is shared i.e, in a student house)
• A check for when you rent a caravan or plot

Once you have completed the Rental Price Check, you will be given a number of points which represent the value of your rental space.

READ MORE | Renting in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Depending on the number of points, there will be a maximum rental price that your landlord can ask you to pay.

Compare the points with the maximum rent

Ok, you’ve got a certain number of points in front of you — now what?

Now, you need to compare the number of points with the maximum rent that can be charged based on these points. As of July 2023, these are:

• Maximum rent for independent homes
• Maximum rent for non-independent homes
• Maximum rent for caravans
• Maximum rent for plots

My rent is too high, now what?

Have you determined that the math just ain’t mathing and you’re paying too much rent? You’re not alone — and it’s time to reach out to your landlord.

This part is probably the scariest (or most satisfying, depending on who you are), but the Huurcommissie has your back.

The first step is to write a letter to your landlord proposing that they lower your rent. Not a poet? No problem, the rental committee has a handy model letter that you can use.

READ MORE | How to avoid getting scammed as an international in the Netherlands

What you do next depends on the landlord’s response:

Did they say “Sure, I will lower the rent!”? Then great, the matter is resolved, and there’s no need for the rental committee to get involved.

Are you met with the sound of crickets? Or an angry email that says something along the lines of “You’re lucky to even have a roof over your head, stop eating avocados and buying coffee, and you should easily be able to set aside 60% of your income for rent!!”

Then it’s time for the Huurcomissie to get involved.

My landlord refuses to lower my rent; what will the rental committee do?

If your landlord refuses to lower your rent, the Huurcommissie will begin by carrying out their own Rental Price Check to make sure they reach the same conclusion as you. As part of this check, someone will come and assess your living space.

If they also reach the conclusion that you are paying too much rent, then they will contact the landlord on your behalf and remind them of human rights and basic mathematics.

There’s no saying no to the Huurcommissie, so while your landlord may curse you, they have to reduce your rent.

Have you had your Dutch rent reduced? Tell us about the experience in the comments below!

With so much of our lives being spent online these days, knowing how to protect your privacy and financial data has become a necessity.

The threat of unscrupulous persons like hackers, scammers, and even online predators poses an ever-present danger to all web users.

Even if you’ve never been a victim, it’s always good to maintain some good online habits to protect yourself at all times. 

Whether you’re into gaming, online shopping, social media, or online gambling, your financial data and privacy can be compromised through virtually any online activity if you aren’t careful.

With this in mind, here are some handy tips to protect yourself online. 

Popular activities online

The internet has been around for a long time, but with the huge growth in smartphone technology, it’s only in the 21st century that so much of our lives are now spent online.

Things like social media and streaming services now dominate our attention and keep us online more than ever.

The list of things that can be enjoyed online has grown substantially, too. Here are some that require extra care to keep your financial data secure:

Online gambling

The iGaming industry has grown exponentially with the rise of smartphones.

However, it entails inherent risks due to the use of real money, but choosing the right platform will ensure you are well protected against scams or other issues.

To help people spend less time gambling, the CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) database was formed, allowing players to voluntarily register their details on it. It helps people self-exclude from gambling sites but is only applicable to sites licenced and registered in the Netherlands.

Fortunately, for anyone who wishes to start playing again, there’s a large selection of casinos without CRUKS to choose from, with Joren Verdoes from techopedia.com noting that the sites without CRUKS offer good protection of personal and financial data for players. 

For the most part, all reputable online casinos offer great internal protections for your financial data and privacy. Even casinos without CRUKS, despite not falling under Dutch legislation, still provide these protections for customers.

They often utilise third-party companies to provide additional security measures and associated security certificates.

They will usually also regularly submit to independent security audits, and licenses should be visible for players to view. 

Mobile banking

Mobile banking has become infinitely more convenient as smartphone technology has evolved.

With all major banks now having apps, banking can be done from home. However, with that convenience come added cyber threats. 

Most mobile banking apps come with excellent internal security measures and are difficult to bypass. However, fraud can still occur if you aren’t careful.

To ensure the safety and protection of your mobile banking apps, here are a few things you should do: 

• If your device has the option, use fingerprint and facial recognition locks and always keep your devices locked when not in use. 

• Keep your phone systems up to date and download software updates, as these usually include updates to security. 

• Avoid opening emails or clicking on links in texts from unknown sources, as these can contain malware and other kinds of viruses. 

Shopping online

In the same way that mobile banking apps have revolutionised banking, online shopping has made shopping something that can be done without ever needing to leave home.

Again, that convenience comes with risks, so it’s best to practice these habits to stay safe:

• Only use reputable online stores and secure sites. 

• Never give out your ID or social security number to register on a site. 

• Select unique passwords and usernames for your accounts that can’t easily be guessed.

• Set up alerts and regularly monitor your bank cards and account statements for unauthorised charges. 

Good password habits

From a personal point of view, it’s good to always maintain good password habits to ensure your data is always safe from unauthorised access.

This entails choosing a strong password (at least 12 characters long and containing a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters). 

Passwords should also never be something easily linked to you, like a birthday or pet’s name.

You can also set up things like two or multi-factor authentication. This will require other steps to be taken after the correct password is punched in, which makes it harder for hackers to get into your account. 

Lastly, if available, you should also add facial recognition and fingerprint access or use a password manager to help protect all of your devices to make it harder to get into them.

Online casinos and other popular entertainment sites may have the best security features there are, but as a player, your personal online security is only as strong as your own digital habits are. 

Avoid using public WiFi

Using public WiFi wherever it’s available can be a great way to save costs on data.

However, this also comes with security risks, especially if you’re using it to do online banking transactions.

The reason is that public WiFi servers aren’t as secure, and once you’re connected to them, your device is at greater risk of being intruded on or accessed by hackers.

Places like public airports are popular spaces for people to connect to public WiFi, and doing online payments while you’re waiting seems like a great way to kill time.

However, there are many types of cyber attacks that use these servers to infiltrate devices.

Things like malware distribution and network snooping can all be done over public WiFi while you’re connected to it. 

Choose wisely

While internet banking, e-wallets, online shopping, and online payments have become vastly more popular with smartphones, not every retailer or financial institution offers the same level of protection.

Your financial records and personal information will inevitably be needed when you sign up for any of these services. However, even if you’re travelling, it’s always good to research the best banks to use. 

To ensure that information will be stored safely and protected, it’s important to do some research on the service providers you choose.

Data breaches are usually big deals, so it shouldn’t be hard to find out if the intended provider has been hit before or is failing to provide adequate protection.

Choosing wisely in this sense usually means selecting a reputable and accredited service provider. 

Minimise your digital fingerprint

The convenience that online services provide also creates a temptation to use most of them for things we could ordinarily do in person.

Between this and things like social media, most of us unwittingly have a massive digital fingerprint left all over the internet.

Basically, every time we access a site or use an online service, app, or social media, we leave behind a digital fingerprint. 

To reduce our digital fingerprints and the information we put out there, we should avoid posting too much personal information on social media.

Letting people know our locations, our favourite places to go to, or taking selfies with our vehicle registration number visible are all examples of unsafe sharing.

When it comes to our financial information, since we use our banking details often, it’s tempting to have them stored digitally.

Unfortunately, in the case of data breaches, this can lead to that information being stolen and used against us. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to only use one-time options for payment, meaning you only enter the information per transaction. 

Be wary of contact with your bank

No bank or reputable financial institution will ever ask you for things like your PIN or password.

If you receive any email, text, or telephonic communication from your bank, be wary that it’s not a scammer posing as a bank representative. 

This is a common way for scammers to commit fraud, and they can be extremely convincing to people who are not aware of these methods.

The threat may come from something attractive like a money-saving offer that might seem very appealing.  

It’s also a good idea to lock your credit scores so no one can take out credit in your name and to turn on ‘failed login’ notifications so you’ll be notified if anyone tries to access your accounts. 

Are you taking the right precautions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!